Top 10 "e-Prog" Albums

Freshly culled from
recent list discussions, I have assembled a listing of the TOP 10
INSTRUMENTAL KEYBOARD PROG ROCK ALBUMS. I assume you are well
acquainted with all the releases from the 'big names' such as ELP, Rick
Wakeman, Gentle Giant, Renaissance, etc. so these are some
'lesser-known' acts. They are all currently available and I have
provided a website address for further information on each (if
available) and unless otherwise noted they can be found at one or more
of the internet mail order sites shown at the bottom. There's always
new (or re-released) music popping up, so if anyone knows of any good
additions to this list, please let me know!!

In alphabetical order.... (follow the links provided for more
reviews of each artist/group.)
If this doesn't quench your thirst, see the
Top 50 e-Prog Albums.

1. Ars Nova - 'Transi'
(Japan 1994)
You may be familiar with this Japanese female power-trio's most
recent release called 'Goddess of Darkness' (1996). Their previous
albums were originally released only in Japan and are called 'Fear &
Anxiety' (1992) and 'Transi' (1994), but are also distributed by Syn-Phonic.
The first album had a different drummer and was a bit lackluster in
comparison, but Transi is a stunning keyboard classic. It highlights
Keiko Kumagai's formidable skills in both playing and composing some
very dramatic, dynamic and symphonic keyboard material. The music has a
bit of a dark edge but is so fast and powerful that it would be hard to
get the chills except by the sheer brilliance of the music. 'Goddess of
Darkness' is more commercial sounding and to some could be a bit
overblown, but 'Transi' is just pure keyboard intensity and virtuosity.
It is currently out-of-print but last I checked, Syn-Phonic (see below)
still carried a few copies. However, fear not because AMP Records
(England) is re-releasing the first two albums very soon.

2. Los Canarios
- 'Ciclos' (Spain 1974)
If you are at all a fan of adapting classical pieces into a
progressive format, consider experimenting on this disc. Using
Vivaldi's "Four Seasons," Canarios weaves an amazing tapestry of
classical and contemporary themes into a 73-minute work of art. Dual
keyboardists use a battery of analog keyboards (several moogs, several
hammonds, two mellotrons, arp synth, piano, etc.) combining the
classical leanings and traits of Wendy Carlos with the chops of Rick
Wakeman. The guitar work is also very tasty, so you can imagine that
the interplay between guitar and dual keyboards over 70 minutes gets to
be very very intense. There are some vocals in all four movements
(mostly English, with some Spanish & Latin), which serve to bridge
together all the wonderful instrumental sections. If you are a fan of
ELP's "Pictures at an Exhibition" live CD, this one is every bit as
sonically brilliant, if not quite as bombastic and over-the-top. This
is the only release by the group and was a double-LP, now contained on
one CD. There is no website currently available and it is only
available at Syn-Phonic (see below).

3. Redjy Emond -
'Sphere' (Canada 1996)
Redjy Emond is a French-Canadian and is an individual keyboard
artist who employs a vast array of digital synthesizers and related
equipment. He records out of his own studio in Montreal and all his
music is composed, arranged, programmed and performed by himself with
engineering/mastering by others. This is his sole release to date and
it has 15 tracks of pure instrumental keyboard heaven. The music ranges
from classical to progressive and he obviously has some real keyboard
talent playing everything from delicate piano to pipe organ,
harpsichord and some great synth work... along with a strong drum
rhythm in most tracks. A couple of tracks have a more orchestral
arrangement with horns, violins and bass drums. Some have described
Emond as a cross between Wakeman & Emerson and perhaps P? Lindh. As we
all know it is very easy for computers to sanitize music and this is
where Redjy Emond shows his brilliance in adding "feel" to his music.
Sphere is highly recommended to all fans of keyboard virtuosity. This
is a real sleeper of an album. Another release is planned for 1999.

4. Goblin -
'Roller' (Italy 1976)
Goblin formed in the mid-70s and achieved their greatest acclaim
for their horror movie soundtracks, although they also produced some
non-soundtrack releases. They were originally called "Cherry Five" but
changed their name to "Goblin" for their first soundtrack called 'Profondo
Rosso' (1975) which sold 1 million copies in Italy. They are strongly
influenced by Yes, but are heavier and darker, with parts reminiscent
of ELP, King Crimson and Gentle Giant, and some eerie sound effects
made for the film plots. Their music tends to be atmospheric and eerily
evocative, yet still retains traits from symphonic prog. 'Roller',
their second release, is a non-soundtrack, entirely instrumental album
with a bit more compositional development. It has six long tracks with
plenty of excellent minimoog, organ, piano and clavinet by Claudio
Simonetti, along with searing electric guitar, crisp drums and strong
bass.

5. Metamorfosi
- 'Inferno' (Italy 1973)
Metamorfosi is a classical 70's Italian progressive rock band
with elaborated melodies where the keyboards are particularly
brilliant. They only put out two albums: 'E Fu Il Sesto Giorno' (1972)
and 'Inferno' before splitting up. Inferno is the better of the two...
with loads of hammond organ, piano, harpsichord, minimoog & mellotron,
tight percussion and bass, and light vocals in Italian. They had a
different lineup for 'Inferno' which allowed keyboard player Enrico
Olivieri to shine through. It is a concept album based on Dante's
'Divine Comedy' and was also a political statement with rock versions
of both the American and Soviet national anthems. The first album was
more of a highlight for their lead singer, Jimmy Spitaleri, who went on
to record with a band called Thor. They broke up because Inferno did
not have very good sales at the time and they refused to compromise
their style towards the commercial side. Metamorphosi's 'Inferno' is
now considered one of the great classic Italian prog masterpieces.

6.
P? Lindh Project - 'Mundus Incompertus' (Sweden 1997)
'Mundus Incompertus' is a brand new
release from the Swedish master of composition and keyboard playing.
Three long tracks of over 9 minutes, 6 minutes and the title track at
nearly 27 minutes. P? Lindh plays Churchorgan, Grand piano Blutner,
Harpsichord, Hammond Organ B3, C3 & L-100, Mellotron Mark V & 400, LSE
synth, analog & digital synth, additional percussion & 12 string
guitar. Other main members of the P? Lindh Project are Magdalena
Hagberg on vocals, Nisse Bielfeld (Drums & percussion), Marcus
Jaderholm (Bass) and Jocke Ramsell on Electric & acoustic guitars.
Other guests help out on recorder, violin, oboe, trombone and the
Singillatim Choir. The same high standard of classical and progressive
styles that featured on 'Gothic Impressions' is also a feature of 'Mundus
Incompertus'. However this time P? takes no part in the vocals,
leaving this department to the incredible voice of Magdalena Hagberg.
Jocke Ramsell shreds some great guitar work within the compositions.
The music of P? Lindh is less technical and more 'feel' than that of
another great keyboard wizard, Keith Emerson. This is a must have for
any progressive music fan's collection.

7. Romantic Warriors
- 'Battlefield' (Italy 1993)
Romantic Warriors are the reincarnation of the 70's Italian
jazz-rock group "Arti E Mestieri" featuring keyboard great Beppe
Crovella and drummer Furio Chirico along with several guest performers.
Crovella had been manager for such notable Italian prog groups as
"Calliope", "Syndone" and "Il Castello Di Atlante" before taking this
symphonic rock trip down memory lane. Armed to the hilt with a battery
of keyboards, he recreates the glorious sounds of the 70's with a
strong keyboard emphasis... Hammond, Moog, Mellotron, Arp, Yamaha,
Roland, Proteus, Emu - you name it. There are some vocals which are in
English and are perhaps the only weak point. The 12-track album is
mostly pure instrumentals which are truly impressive. The packaging is
a beautiful triple-foldout digipak with medieval warriors in armor on
their steeds and carrying instruments instead of lances. No website is
currently available.

8. Solaris -
'Martian Chronicles' (Hungary 1983)
Solaris is a Hungarian band that has been around since 1980 but
have split and reformed several times. They are all instrumental and
sound like a blend of ELP, Camel, Eloy and even Jethro Tull, with lots
of analog synthesizers and flute. Their music has a strong melodic
content, often laced with Eastern European themes, and is highlighted
by the use of dynamics and extended thematic development. There is a
great deal of interplay among the lead instruments which is used to
good effect in developing their themes. Their first release 'Martian
Chronicles' (1983) is a classical prog rock masterpiece. Their other
releases are '1990' (2CD, 1990) and 'Live in Los Angeles' (2CD, 1996)
which was performed at Progfest '95... and despite being a live
recording, it has exemplary sound quality, and the performances given
of their studio material seem to have an added dynamism and immediacy
which breathes new life into them.

9. Standarte -
'Curses and Invocations' (Italy 1996)
Standarte is a 90's band with a 70's sound reminiscent of Atomic
Rooster. They are an Italian trio featuring the strong keyboards of
Michele Profeti, solid percussion and vocals from Daniele Caputo and
scorching bass guitar (and additional keys) by Stefano Gabbani. They
produce a 70's retro sound complete with Hammond organ, harpsichord,
piano, 2 Mellotrons, 2 Moogs and vocals sounding like The Doors (or
actually more like Atomic Rooster from 'In Hearing of...'). Both albums
are hard driving but with a smooth structured feel and the concepts are
very dark and surreal, but yet the music is surprisingly uplifting. The
first self-titled album (1994) is dedicated to the late Vincent Crane,
keyboardist from Atomic Rooster. Both have some spoken words (English
w/British accent) interspersed with some excellent vocals that set the
tone of gothic horror. The Hammond organ dominates almost every track,
followed by hard-edged vocals, scorching bass and tight percussion.
There is good change of pace and plenty of variety to keep you on your
toes. Maybe one thing that is intriguing about this group is the stark
contrast between dark and light, old and new, etc. A third album called
'Stimmung' is due out in September.

10. Trace -
Self-Titled (Holland 1974)
Trace is lead by keyboard master Rick van der Linden who left
the highly successful Dutch band Ekseption to pursue a style more to
his liking. They are an instrumental trio incorporating many jazz and
classical stylings into a virtuostic rock format. The main classical
influence seems to be Baroque in nature, although later classical forms
emerge at times. The self-titled first album contains the most overt
jazz influence along with the greatest degree of technical proficiency.
'Birds' (1975) is dominated by the 20+ minute title suite, which
demonstrates a greater degree of thematic development than their
previous pieces allowed. There are also some sparse English vocals
here, which are mediocre. Birds also has a good Bach adaptation with
Darryl Way guesting on violin. 'White Ladies' (1976) is one long
conceptual piece which emphasizes theme and arrangement even more, with
the core trio expanded to include additional musicians including
various wind instruments. One track has female vocals, while another
two contain a kind of awkward dramatic narration. There's also some
nice lead synth lines using unusual voicings. For pure keyboard
virtuosity, the first album is symphonic progressive rock at its
finest. No website is available at this time.